Tight Jeans

 Tight Jeans

Narrative > Tight Jeans follows a chronological order of events (linear narrative). It follows a cause and effect structure, the cause = the guy with tight jeans walking by, this leads to the main focus of the film which is the lads conversation following the topic of "how can a man can wear such tight jeans". We are introduced to the main characters, we follow them along their story, and we finish with them in their resolution (which is rather subtle).  The films target audience are most likely those of colour, and those of the same age range as the characters themselves, specifically those who are black and living in England. It is supposed to be relatable for them.

Representation > The representation is the main focus of the film, discussions of culture and ethnicity is talked about multiple times. This creates a relatable connection to their audience and a better understanding for those who don't fit into the same category.  The young boys bring their culture and ideas into it, they have a fun and comedic response to a pair of tight jeans they see someone wearing - looking into their own history and beliefs too. The focus on historical backgrounds and realisation from the characters about their own ancestry and culture - they follow a funny line of how they've influenced majority of the world and brought a lot of changes. Another main representation would be that of London's black youth - and they create this through the use of Mise en Scene and performance styles.

Genre > I would class Tight Jeans as a comedy - although set in one singular setting, and not a lot of movement for depth is brought about, the joking around with each other and portrayal of language and culture becomes a more comedic tone and environment for us to follow. The comedic effect aligns with the target audience due to characters being rather young, and a friendly group of guys who are having a laugh. It is an inviting setting and pleasurable watch. The comedic conventions also entail that of darker humour and rude jokes.

Micro Elements:

Cinematography >  Tracking shots are used to follow the tight jeans guy and tight top guy, this adds context and is the punchline of the joke which starts their conversation ( cause and effect). Tight Jeans first starts with a minute or so of credits which roll as an establishing shot occurs behind - we are introduced to a busy market in a city centre, it doesn't look particularly appealing, and seems like a rough area of south-London. This is an important detail as it establishes the type of characters and their personalities which we may see. The actual beginning of the film first features a few close ups of the group of boys who are sitting on the wall - it focuses on their clothing/accessories/style, it previews their personalities for us and gives the audience a understanding of who they are before fully being revealed. Later, another close up is used as one of the boys explains an over the top, funny theory on their background and slavery - talking about how white people first enslaved them- it then cuts to to close up shots on the other boys reactions to their friends words as he still talks, it focuses on how dumbfounded and lost they're by their friends ridiculous yet funny theory, they proceed to laugh about it together. Again, the comedic tone of the film is pushed through the use of relatable topics towards the audience and friendly characters. It is nice to watch them enjoy themselves over something so silly. A slow zoom in is used when we first are introduced properly to the lads, as well as, having them look all in the same direction and sat at an angle which adds to the consistency. The line of symmetry shows the boys are the same in terms of culture, ethnicity, and livelihood - its unique and purposeful action. The shots which focus on their clothes etc. creates the characters for us, this is conveyed to the audience multiple times throughout about who they are, where they come from, their own identities and cultures. This is also creates a better alignment with the target audience too.

Editing > Tight Jeans doesn't have many distinctive editing tools and techniques - one main introductory shot is used, which then proceeds to jumps to the main moment of interest which stays as a long and continuous shot which slowly pans around from different angles as the conversation moves along. There are re-occurring jump cuts which are used to go from a wider panning shot to a better focus on each boys faces however. There is non-diegetic sound in the very beginning during the credits which has been edited in, and majority of the film is kept at a normal pace, possibly though, there is a slow paced shot at one moment and long running shots used during dialogue.

Sound > Soundtrack/music in the beginning sets the tone for what we are expecting to see, as well as, seeing the scene of peoples in a busy row of market stalls which adds to the undertones of rough and busy city life - London! There is also diegetic sound from around the area where the main film and characters are placed, such as the sound of footsteps, which are focused on as the boys stop talking and wait for people to go by, doors opening and also quiet noises of nature. However I wouldn't say the sound particularly adds huge significance to the movie and its context. 

Performance > All of their body language represents that of their inner culture and style. In the beginning, they seem uncomfortable, one is even agitated by his friends 'stupid' comments/remarks. They all seem rather fed up and bored of having to wait around - it isn't until they start talking about the tight jeans where they become more relaxed and joke around with each other, laughing and relating to one another. For a little while, however, they do go back to waiting and being bored, until once again, the sudden switch occurs after the guy with the tight top walks past. The language they use is mainly slang, this again fits into the representations of black young men, it's also quite inappropriate and rude at times - this could be linked to their identities and language too. Constant joking around attitude and behaviour > personalities which mesh well together, attempts to cheer one another up. Audience alignment.

Mise En Scene (costume) > The characters costumes are an important representation of their own culture and fitting in to the ideas and trends of English standards too. There is a clear sign of the boys showing their own heritage and identity too, as they deem that as important. Yet, there are common features of their outfits which represent UK teens trends for the time period. There is a big influence of black hip-hop and rap music culture - baggy trousers, oversized tops, hoodies, caps, chains, rings, branded shoes such as Nike and Adidas. Context is provided through their costumes and an alignment is reinforced.

Mise En Scene (Setting/Location) > Set in London, specifically south-east i believe. It seems like a rougher and dishevelled area, council flats etc. It's a clear poorer area of London ( links to stereotypical environments for black families unfortunately - due to poverty) This adds to the social topic of the short film and the boy's conversations about their own history and unjust treatment throughout. 

Influence >  Use of more diversity and a focus on social issues possibly? Having detailed independent characters which people can relate to and like. Movement away from gender roles. The use of a specific location to add more depth and context to the message of my film seems like a good idea, same for props and costume etc. I want a certain style/aesthetic with the cinematography through camera angles and specific lighting, same with editing. Tight Jeans influences me to create characters which are easily liked and enjoyed by those watching - it doesn't mean it needs to be comedy, can be more serious and important topic of message.

Arrival

 Arrival

Narrative > Linear - chronological order. It follows a simple narrative - however, doesn’t end in a resolution more of a cliff-hanger as we don’t know what final decision she chooses. Yet, the film follows an Ryder of revealing information in order to us

Representation > The representation in this film, isn’t the easiest to acknowledge or write about. In my opinion, I feel as if it is attempting to showcase a reality that most women go through in their lives - and their target audience is women, specifically, those who have been through he same situation or similar to. 

Genre > comedy..? I believe, as it comes across almost as a joke but in a relatable way. The comedy conventions are followed through in this film, with the use of a very ‘advertised’ situation and also a inner monologue which kind of adds to the comedic effect - having her say everything she is really thinking but only to the audience and not everybody else, almost like we’re her friend she can spill everything to.

Micro Elements: 

Cinematography > The entire film, is a long sequence which slowly zooms in over time. This is an important feature as it showcases the chaotic ness that is slowly occurring , as she becomes more stressed out and continues to question herself and her actions. The use of the slow zoom grabs our attention and focuses us to the key point of the movie - her. Another important focus is that there is only one camera angle the entire time, it’s a very basic shot. A possible wide shot, as it captures all the details we need to… but most importantly the main character is in the scene the entire time. We don’t move away from her, we just become closer to her. Matching with the sound during the scene close to the end where we see she begins to panic - an important note would be how dark it becomes and closed-in it begins to feel. It’s like her vision (our vision) is becoming less clear, tunnel like. Furthermore, adding to her panicked behaviour 

Sound > Near the end of the film, the sound becomes less audible to us for example, a train goes past the café. This changes the original effect, from very quiet and calm to quite erratic. (loud noise/ contrasting her panicking silently and all in her head) - it seems as though we are hearing what the character hears, we are put into her POV but only through sound, the use of muted background noise adds to the tension and panic that she is experiencing, we too are experiencing. I think this also adds o the ability to get audience members to relate and align with the character, to feel how she feels, know what she is going through.

Editing > the editing focuses more of added effects for aesthetics and visual design more so than editing out certain content. Due to it being a long scene and without a lot of dialogue there is less of a need to edit. The effects and tones edited though, do create a more engaging atmosphere and visual representation, they fit the vibe of the movie - stress, chaos, worry. It’s a darker visual and fits consistently with the narrative, specifically when we see her panic and everything becomes more dark, there’s a point of focus just on her.

Mise En scene (Props) >  The most important prop would definitely be the coffee that she has ordered. This is the rising point of the narrative, it is the factor that sets off the main event (her panic). She worries if it was the right decision or not. Considering she is pregnant, which is quietly yet quickly hinted at us. 

Mise En Scene (setting) >  The café, Fake setting, more animated lighting and environment - adds to the feel of almost like an advertisement or little comedy sketch. Also the café being the place of interest as this is important as to why she is there in the first place. She is meeting someone, and we soon realise why. It is important. 

Performance >  The performance in the Arrival is very natural and realistic, it is quite calm and showcases how a person may truly react and behave in this situation. The character is composed yet clearly anxious on the inside, which is further backed by her internal monologue we are exposed too. The performance by the young and underrated actress Emily Barber is highly well done, as she pushes herself into a relatable and nerve-wracking performance - her body language explains in detail how she feels, the constant shifting positions, and moving of her hands, as if she doesn't know what to do with them. It is a true portrayal of an anxious person. Her consistent questioning and stress even interferes with her daily and normal actions such as, when she gets too deep in thought and begins to overfill her mug with coffee till' it spills.

Influence > The use of lighting and editing is influential to me - I like the aesthetic visuals and how they fit well into the tone of the film itself and environment.